Welcome back to the One Room Challenge, where I’m knee-deep in transforming our 80s fixer-upper foyer. It’s been a journey filled with hard work, but seeing progress on a space that’s been half-done for years feels incredibly rewarding. Let me take you through the updates, struggles, and exciting design elements shaping this foyer makeover.
Progress So Far
To bring you up to speed, we’ve made significant foundational changes to the foyer. After living here for nearly a decade, we finally bid farewell to the outdated, hideous tile floor and replaced it with gorgeous hardwoods. Alongside this, we refinished the stair treads, updated the newel post and spindles, and added board and batten for a touch of architectural charm. These updates have transformed the bones of the space, but there’s still much to be done.
Painting Challenges
This week has been a blur of painting—an endeavor that feels both productive and never-ending. The three French doors, two solid doors, and surrounding trim have kept me busy with a paintbrush in hand. I must admit, painting French doors is not for the faint of heart! However, with each coat, I inch closer to finishing this essential step in the renovation. Once the painting is complete, I’ll tackle the final trim under the stair treads, paving the way to install the long-awaited stair runner.
Exciting Design Elements
While the renovation work continues, I’m thrilled to share some fun design updates that will breathe life into this space:
1. A New Ceiling Light
The previous small chandelier was impractical for our 7’8″ ceiling height, especially for our tall friends and family. Enter a sleek white glass and brass clover flush mount. This fixture not only complements the pendant lights in our kitchen but also ensures no one leaves with a bumped head. It’s a perfect blend of style and function.
2. A New Lamp
I’ve added a stunning lamp with a capiz shell base, enhanced with a touch of gold Rub n Buff. It’s an elegant addition that brings subtle texture and sophistication to the foyer.
3. The Stair Runner
After much deliberation, I returned to my trusted favorite: seagrass. The navy blue binding on this runner creates a beautiful contrast against the rich stain of the stair treads. Kaia, our pup, seems to approve—she immediately made herself at home, napping on the unrolled runner. Beyond aesthetics, the runner adds safety and comfort for her frequent dashes up and down the stairs.
4. A Foyer Rug
I’m on the hunt for a foyer rug that complements the seagrass runner and camouflages Kaia’s fur. Finding the perfect balance between style and practicality is key.
5. A Three-Drawer Chest
I envisioned a vintage dresser with character, patina, and ample storage. After a year of searching, I found a piece at Homesense that fits the 40″ wall perfectly. While it’s functional and affordable, its matchy-matchy wood tone with the floor leaves me undecided about painting it. What do you think? Should I give it a makeover?
Door Hardware Upgrade
A significant upgrade is replacing our door hardware. Inspired by the vintage brass knobs I sourced from Etsy for our pantry, I’ve ordered coordinating knobs for the foyer doors. These will pair beautifully with the entry door hardware, creating a cohesive look throughout the space. Investing in high-quality brass hardware elevates the overall design and adds timeless elegance. I haven’t purchased it yet but like this one….
How to Give French Doors an Antique Mirror Finish
For those interested in elevating their French doors, consider adding an antique mirror finish. It’s a subtle way to introduce character and depth, transforming functional doors into a statement piece.
Front Door Update
Replacing the front door is a big-ticket item we’ve decided to tackle in Phase Two of this project. The exterior needs work, including replacing the pediment and rebuilding the front steps, which pushes the door replacement to a later date. While it won’t happen during the ORC timeline, it’s exciting to know this upgrade is on the horizon. Next up…new door knobs on order!!
Upcoming Tasks
As we move forward, here’s what’s on the punch list for the coming weeks:
- Finish Painting: Complete the stair trim and doors.
- Install the Runner: Bring the stairway to life with the seagrass runner.
- Closet Makeover: Maximize storage and functionality in the foyer closet.
- Additional Storage: Incorporate more furniture pieces to improve organization.
- Details: Add finishing touches with lighting, art, and accessories.
- Exterior Updates: Prepare for the summer/fall 2020 replacement of the front door and sidelights.
The ultimate goal is to create a foyer that feels warm, welcoming, and reflective of our style.
Inspiration and Gratitude
I’m continually inspired by the incredible transformations showcased on the One Room Challenge website. A huge thank you to ORC creator Linda Weinstein and media partner Better Homes & Gardens for fostering this inspiring community of designers and DIYers.
Join Me Next Week
Have a great week ahead!
